In Herat province, four young men were recently summoned by the Taliban’s department of Vice and Virtue after wearing flat caps and three-piece suits reminiscent of the British TV series Peaky Blinders. The clothing was deemed “in conflict with Afghan and Islamic values,” with officials emphasizing that imitation of foreign film actors conflicts with local cultural and religious norms.
Videos released online show the men posing in their outfits before being summoned, while a statement from the Taliban indicated that they were not formally arrested. Instead, they underwent a “rehabilitation programme” and were advised on proper attire aligned with Afghan traditions. In a video published afterward, the men expressed gratitude for the guidance and admitted they had been unaware their clothing violated Sharia law.
Interviews conducted prior to the summons show that the friends admired the fashion from the show and had received positive reactions from locals, who stopped them for photos and compliments. One of the men said, “At first we were hesitant, but once we went outside, people liked our style, stopped us in the streets, and wanted to take photos with us.”
The Taliban stressed that Afghan society has established religious and cultural traditions governing clothing, and Western influences, particularly from non-Muslim media, are discouraged. Officials urged citizens to follow the example of “righteous religious predecessors” rather than foreign styles.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on daily life, including dress codes and media consumption, reflecting their strict interpretation of Sharia law. This incident illustrates the ongoing tension between global cultural trends and the conservative social policies enforced by the Taliban.
